State of the Union overshadowed by breaking news

Timing is everything, and unfortunately for the Democratic Party and President Obama, the timing of Tuesday's nights State of the Union Address could not have been any worse.

Obama's address focusing on heady issues of the "Es"—economy, energy, environment, education—was drowned out as media and social media were distracted with other national and international news.

Leading up to the address, the buildup was overshadowed by the Pope's resignation, North Korea's nuclear test, and the creepy rocker Ted Nugent sideshow. During the address, the standoff with rogue former police officer Christopher Dorner stole whatever buzz was left.

True to form, about 48 minutes into the address news stations reported that Dorner was dead, burned inside of a cabin. CNN could barely wait to switch coverage from the address to the breaking news. No fewer than three seconds after Obama finished, CNN quickly chimed in with the Dorner news.

Comedian Travis Simmons took note of the media storm, tweeting:

Pope Quitting, Uncle Dorner's Burning CabinCan a brother just enjoy the State of the Union.Why is everyone... fb.me/1Vaxwa3MI

For those who could cut through the clutter and watch the address, comments stayed mundane compared to last year’s robust political season. As with most social media events, the irreverence of social media again showed its humorous and sometimes offensive side with the hashtag #thingsIdRatherDoThanWatchSotu.

Social media conversations also took note of Ted Nugent's high-profile attendance at the address. He didn’t miss a beat, or a media opportunity, to push his views on gun rights and flaunt his political and social incorrectness.

MSNBC contributor Dave Weigel tweeted:

OH reporter asking someone to help him find Nugent in the crowd: "He looks like a tall, crazy white motherf**ker"